Representatives of PES member parties, the S&D Group in the European Parliament and the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions met today to discuss progressive priorities in light of the UN COP28 Summit on Climate Change and to exchange views on the European Commission’s proposal on New Genomic Techniques.
Reflecting on the excellent work done under his mandate, the meeting expressed its gratitude to former European Commission Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans. Thanks to his leadership, Europe has a truly progressive and transformational Green Deal.
The participants welcomed the EU’s general negotiating position on COP28, agreed by environment ministers on 16 October.
Chair of the PES Environment, Climate Change and Energy Network (ECEN), Javi Lopez, stated:
“COP28 is only a few months away. In this time, it is necessary that Europe makes sure that the ambition is kept high and that past commitments on reducing fossil fuel is not watered down. Ensuring a progressive far-reaching climate agenda is the main aim. The clock is ticking, scientists are warning us against overshooting the Paris Agreement global warming target of 1.5°Celsius. Work must also move forward on ensuring funding for adaptation and the Loss and Damage Fund.”
The ECEN also assessed the recent European Commission proposal on new Genomic Techniques, released in July, with a view to refining and strengthening a common PES position on the file.
